Country Artists Remember ‘GREAT Human’ Troy Gentry

As news broke on Friday afternoon (Sept. 8) that Montgomery Gentry's Troy Gentry had been killed in a helicopter crash in Medford, N.J., members of the country music community shared tributes to and remembrances of the late singer on social media. From Brad Paisley to Jason Isbell, many had kind things to say about the artist.

Many fellow country stars called Gentry a good friend; Chris Janson remembered him as a "GREAT human." Jana Kramer remembered him being "always so kind" when she played shows with Montgomery Gentry. Readers can flip through the photo gallery above to see more remembrances, some of which also mention Don Williams, who also died on Friday.

Around 12:30PM ET, a Schweitzer 269 helicopter crashed at the Flying W Airport, located on Fostertown Road in Medford, in a wooded area near the end of Runway 1. The helicopter was in distress and was approaching the airport when it crashed; according to 9-1-1 audio, the helicopter was experiencing “mechanical issues” prior to crashing, and went down as emergency crews arrived at the scene. Around 2PM ET on Friday, the Flying W posted on Facebook that Montgomery Gentry's concert, scheduled to take place at the venue that night, had been canceled; no further details were given at that time.

"It is with great sadness that we confirm that Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash," a press release from the duo's record label, Average Joes Entertainment, shared later on Friday afternoon. "Details of the crash are unknown. Troy Gentry's family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time."

Gentry was removed from the wreckage at the scene but was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Eddie Montgomery, Gentry’s duo partner, was at the airport when the helicopter crashed, along with members of their band, and they were taken to the hospital to see Gentry.

In addition to Gentry, the helicopter’s pilot, James Evan Robinson, died in the crash. Crews worked for hours to remove his body from the wreck.